Wireless - February 3, 2009

Welcome to the ICCFA Wireless newsletter!
If you experience any problems with this HTML version, please let us know. Call 1.800.645.7700.

ICCFA Wireless is a bi-weekly electronic newsletter bringing members of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association the latest government and legal, industry and association news. It is available to all ICCFA members current on their dues. Comments, questions and "hot news tips" are welcome. Write to: hq@iccfa.com.

A recent announcement from Continental Airlines signaled a new required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) mandating that human remains shipped from the United States or its territories must be tendered by a "known shipper," a designation that requires advanced registration. The ICCFA has contacted TSA staff who advised that funeral homes affected by the "known shipper" requirements must register through the airlines; the program is not administrated by the TSA itself. The "known shipper" program began in 2004 but was expanded by Congress in view of potential terrorist threats from a variety of sources including the shipment of human remains.

More information will be forthcoming, but the Continental Airlines advisory outlines the general procedures and provides a link to an application form. To view this information, click here.

Obama, Congress Enact New Law to Facilitate Wage Discrimination Claims

Last Thursday, President Obama signed into law the "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act of 2009" to overturn a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that limited the time an employee could bring a wage discrimination claim against an employer. Under the new law, as long as the employee continues to be employed by the same employer, there is effectively no statute of limitations to bar a discrimination claim, even if the alleged violation occurred years or decades earlier. For more information from attorney Mike Pepperman, ICCFA labor law counsel, please click here.

In Case You Missed It: Labor Law Webinar Now Available on Free CD

In case you missed the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) webinar that was held on January 15 by ICCFA labor counsel Mike Pepperman, you can now watch the replay on a free compact disc. The EFCA is proposed federal legislation seeking to increase labor union membership by depriving workers of the right to vote by secret ballot when deciding to accept or reject union representation, among other things. It is widely believed that the bill will be enacted into law at some point this year.

The webinar reviews the provisions of the legislation and how members can develop strategies in dealing with it. ICCFA members wanting to order their free CD of the ECFA webinar should call ICCFA general counsel Bob Fells at 1-800-645-7700.

ICCFA NEWS

Central States Cemetery Assn. Endows New ICCFAU Scholarship

Recently, the Central States Cemetery Association made an endowment to the ICCFA Educational Foundation to establish an annual scholarship award to the ICCFA University. Details of the endowment will be forthcoming, but applications for the new scholarship are being accepted now through the deadline of March 15, 2009.

To be eligible, applicants must work in one of the central states of Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma or Wisconsin, and be employed by a cemetery for a minimum of two years. Applicants must be able to attend the 2009 ICCFA University, held July17-22, and may not assign the scholarship award to another person. All decisions of the Central States Cemetery Association Scholarship Committee and the ICCFA Educational Foundation are final. To print out an application, go to www.iccfa.com/certifications-awards/scholarship/scholarships. Deadline for submission: March 15, 2009.

ICCFA Women's Forum Scholarship Deadline Two Weeks Away!

Since 2000, the ICCFA Women's Forum has given more than a dozen women access to a first-class, 21st-century educational experience at ICCFA University. You could be next! This scholarship covers all registration fees as well as housing and meals for ICCFAU 2009. For more information and to download a copy of the scholarship application, visit the ICCFA Web site at www.iccfa.com/pdf/wforum09_application.pdf. Deadline for submission: February 16, 2009.

ICCFA Educational Foundation Deadline Quickly Approaching

The ICCFA Educational Foundation has announced its second annual Scholarship Award to the 2009 ICCFA University. The scholarship can be used to pay the registration fee, lodging and travel expenses related to attending the University program. The Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity that supports the association's educational programs. Applicants for the scholarship must be ICCFA members in good standing and employed in the cemetery, cremation and funeral profession for a minimum of two years. For more information and to download a copy of the scholarship application, visit the ICCFA Web site at www.iccfa.com/certifications-awards/scholarship/scholarships. Deadline for submission: February 28, 2009.

New Land Mgmt. & Grounds Operations Classes Announced

The College of Land Management & Ground Operations will offer two new courses during ICCFA University, July 17-22 at the Mid-South Convention Center in Tunica, Mississippi:

Class Project: Develop This!Jeff Kidwiler, CCE
Students will break into small groups for this hands-on project in which you'll develop a new cemetery section. You'll obtain first-hand experience in master planning, land use and design, product selection, ROI projections and more.

The Smitty and Fife Show!Tom Smith and Tom Pfeifer
This high-energy presentation will be packed with practical "how-to" advice on cemetery maintenance and operational issues, by two of the industry's most well known experts. Smitty and Fife are best known for their popular "From the Grounds Up" column in ICCFA Magazine, where they share real-world maintenance management ideas that can be applied at any location, with any size budget.

Plan now to attend one of our six colleges: Administration & Management, Cremation Services, Funeral Home Management, Sales & Marketing, and 21st Century Services. Complete program and registration information will be available on the ICCFA Web site the week of February 9.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE EXPOSITION

This year's ICCFA Expo,April 20-23 at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, will be our largest ever, with more than 250 booths already pre-sold to a wide range of supplier companies. Click here to find out which companies will be on hand to show you the latest products and services available to our industry.

The ICCFA show is known as the friendliest and most productive in the industry, with no competing activities during Expo hours and free food and drink throughout the show.

REMINDER: ICCFA members who register by March 13 will receive the early bird $410 registration rate. You may find the registration form here. Register now to secure this special rate.

AND DON'T FORGET...

Reserve your hotel room for the convention by February 28 and you will pay just $149 PER NIGHT!

This rate represents a $110 discount from the originally advertised Convention room rate, and the hotel has agreed to honor it for all new and existing reservations! (If you have already made reservations, the discount rate will automatically apply. There is no need to contact the hotel.) HURRY—After February 28 the room rate will return to $259 per night. To make your reservations, call 1.877.632.7000 and identify yourself as an ICCFA attendee or mention discount code SCBM09.

'The Network' Moves to ICCFA' s New Web SiteThe ICCFA has revamped its Web site at www.iccfa.com, and The Network, formerly an e-mail-based Yahoo discussion group, has now migrated to the Cafe section of the new site.

The ICCFA Network is a problem-solving forum for members of the cemetery, cremation and funeral service industry. Members of The Network comprise a wealth of talent and experience. Post questions or best practices to share with your industry colleagues around the world.

Click here to visit The Network Discussion Center, our problem-solving forum. Membership in The Network is open to any member in good standing of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association.

For more information and to explore the ICCFA Cafe, visit www.iccfa.com.

2009 Music Licenses: Just $248 Per Property
The ICCFA is offering 2009 music licensing with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC for only $248 per property. With no additional fees or membership requirements, this is the LOWEST PRICE available in the industry!

Companies that currently hold their licenses through the ICCFA have been invoiced.

All companies that did not have a music license in 2008 and wish to purchase the 2009 license can do so by downloading the form or by calling the ICCFA at 1.800.645.7700.

The 2009 price is a direct pass-through of the combined annual price increases from ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Licensing directly with the agencies this year would cost nearly $600 per location.

Music licensing is the law, and failure to obtain a license where one is required can be costly: Copyright law provides for damages similar to fines of up to $30,000 for each song that is infringed. If your company, regardless of size, hosts performances of copyrighted music—whether the music is performed live or played from recordings—music copyright owners say you are legally required to pay an annual licensing fee.

CLASSIFIED ADS

Two Granite Columbarium Units For Sale Vermont gray granite columbariums, each with 108 niche spaces available for sale (18 niches per side/4 sided units; 2 sides are double deep). Priced at $39,150/unit plus delivery. WILL NEGOTIATE PRICE! Picture can be viewed at www.wauwatosacemetery.net/wauwatosa_burialoptions.htm. Contact Christine Toson Hentges at 262.367.9991 or christieh@tributeinc.com for further information.

Advanced Planning Funeral Director
Earn up to a $25,000+ sign on bonus if you are a top notch Advanced Planning Funeral Director! We will be hiring someone with a proven track record in advanced planning funeral sales. Are you that person? Woodlawn Memorial Gardens located in beautiful Norfolk, VA is a Funeral Home/Cemetery Combo facility. We are expanding our business and looking for a top notch Advance Planning Funeral Director who will be responsible for our advanced planning funeral services. Must have Life & Annuities Insurance Licensure (or the ability to obtain with in a short period of time) and currently be licensed as a Virginia Funeral Director (or the ability to be licensed as one). Must be proficient w/computer and be willing to learn new software. Must be comfortable speaking in front of groups. This is a full-time position that offers competitive pay, excellent benefits including 401k, profit sharing and vacation. For consideration, please e-mail your resume with salary history to debbiebatliner@woodlawngroup.com. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

Family Service Counselor Earn up to a $25,000+ sign on bonus if you are a top notch salesperson with proven cemetery sales experience.

Have you always wanted to live and work close to the beach? Well, it's time to make that dream a reality. Woodlawn Memorial Gardens is located in beautiful Norfolk, Virginia, just minutes from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Woodlawn is expanding our sales team by adding more top notch talent. Sales experience must be proven and demonstrated. This is a full-time commissioned opportunity with benefits and high earnings potential. Must have a valid driver's license, be able to obtain a Virginia cemetery sales license, have excellent computer skills, closing skills and the desire to write your own paycheck. For further consideration, please email your resume, with salary history included to miguelquinones@woodlawngroup.com. (Confidential Inquiries). EOE.

Sales Director If you are reading this ad you are either looking for a more fulfilling career, are fed up with your current situation, or are unemployed.

Do you enjoy an environment where your efforts have a positive and meaningful impact for your customers? Are you well organized? Do you enjoy training, motivating, and cultivating employee's talents? Is truly helping others an important part of why you go to work every day? If so, then this opportunity may be what you have been looking for.

We are seeking individuals with leadership skills who have past experience in direct sales. Founded in 1910, Stewart Enterprises, Inc. is the 2nd largest provider of products and services in the death care industry. We currently have Sales Director openings in our Midwestern Region markets for a highly motivated individual who has the skills to lead and manage a team of professionals to serve families in our community. The responsibilities of this unique opportunity include, but are not limited to the following:

Implement and supervise the sales program in such a manner as to achieve and exceed sales goals within established budgets

Recruit, hire, and train new sales representatives

Supervise activities of sales representatives to maximize individual and team performance

Conduct daily meetings with staff to motivate, inform, and educate

Control and manage the activities and results associated with company generated leads and prospects

Report weekly and monthly on sales representatives' activities and results and actions to improve performance as needed

Audit sales proficiency of representatives through regular monitoring of their presentations and sales metrics

Work with other management personnel in the development of strategies, marketing plans, and budgets as requested

Produce personal sales as needed for market to achieve sales goals

We offer the following benefits:

Paid Training

401K

Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance

Stock Purchase Plan

Bonus Programs

Recognition Programs

Advancement opportunities

If you believe that you are who we are seeking then forward your resume to: Doug Farrow at dfarrow@stei.com, 816-353-4936 (office), 816-804-2853 (mobile) or fax resume to 816.353.4059.

The only memorial park in the County. Bronze memorial, Lawn Crypt, and Mausoleum sales programs. On-site office buildings and large shops with all burial and maintenance equipment. Staff are experienced in all phases of operations. Strong industrial base. Located on the west side of town on a major highway, towards Lakes area. Ft. Campbell military base is 15 minutes away.

ICCFA Supply Link Allows Easy Buyer's Guide Searching
The ICCFA Supply Link, an online buyer's guide members can use to easily search for products and services from the convenience of their computers, can be accessed directly from the ICCFA home page. The Supply Link offers a "Search" function whereby members can search according to product type or company name and can be limited to a state or to a certain radius distance from a specified city or ZIP code. Users also can narrow their search to include only ICCFA-member companies. Suppliers that are ICCFA members and exhibitors are identified as such in their listings.

ICCFA News Page
The ICCFA News Page takes you to sources throughout the world for industry news and updates. It brings you the most comprehensive selection of funeral service and cemetery news available anywhere, along with frequently updated general news items related to national and world events. The News Page reports the news before anyone else and is one of the most visited page on the ICCFA Web site. Stop in each day and you'll see why.

Music Licensing The 2009 Music Licenses are available for just $248 per property, no additional fees. Covers ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. Any U.S. funeral home, cemetery or related business is eligible for membership as a Music License Member. Licensing directly with the agencies this year would cost nearly $600 per location, so this price—which requires no additional membership fee—is still the lowest available to the industry.

Tax-Related Questions
ICCFA members now also have access to an attorney for tax-related questions regarding trust earnings, care fund allocations, capital gains, investments and more. The ICCFA has retained Leslie Schneider, CPA, a tax attorney with Ivins, Phillips & Barker in Washington, DC, for telephone consultations for up to 20 minutes with no obligation. To take advantage of this member benefit, call Schneider at 202.393.7600.

ICCFA Insurance Program
Administered by Alliant Insurance Services, this program allows members to purchase commercial property and casualty insurance -- including general liability, commercial property, automobile liability and physical damage, umbrella liability, professional liability, workers compensation, employee benefits and more -- at rates they probably would not be able to afford on their own. For details, call 1.800.390.9099.

Fraud Prevention & Detection Consultation Service
ICCFA has retained the services of veteran fraud investigator Robert A. Garvey Jr., CPA, CFE, CrFA, CVA, to serve as a consultative resource for members' employee theft and fraud concerns. The new member benefit, the "Fraud Investigation and Deterrence Consultation Service" or FIDCS, will allow members to discuss by telephone any issues or concerns related to suspected fraudulent activity or a desire to put systems and controls in place at their locations to deter such activity. There is no cost to ICCFA members in good standing to utilize this benefit. The number to call is 1.866.649.1902.

Legal Advice on Cremation Concerns
Courtesy of the ICCFA Government and Legal Fund, ICCFA members now have access to pre-paid legal advice on cremation-related issues. Through this exclusive member benefit, the association has retained Poul H. Lemasters, Esq., of Rosenacker & Associates, Ltd., Cincinnati, Ohio. Poul is an attorney and licensed funeral director, and members in good standing may call him at 1.800.221.2889 to discuss cremation concerns for up to 20 minutes at no charge.

FTC 'Red Flag' Compliance Program
ICCFA now offers members a sample compliance program concerning new Federal Trade Commission rules to fight identity theft. To have the program template sent to you, please contact us at 1.800.645.7700.

GPL Compliance Check
Members whose businesses must follow the FTC Funeral Rule's General Price List (GPL) requirements can have their lists reviewed for compliance by attorney Poul H. Lemasters, Esq., without charge. Contact Lemasters at 1.800.221.2889.

ICCFA Credit Card Processing Program
The ICCFA and Applied Merchant Systems of Chicago, Illinois, currently offer members a Credit Card Processing Program with a special low discount rate. This benefit makes it less expensive for cemeteries, funeral homes, memorial designers and related businesses to accommodate customers who wish to pay via credit card. For more information, call 1.800.675.6573.